My parents were born and raised in Northern Vietnam. I was born and raised in Southern Vietnam. I adapted a northern Vietnamese accent with a southern Vietnamese dialect. When we came to America, we arrived in Pekin, Illinois. We lived in Illinois for three years and then moved south. I spent my teenage years in Seguin, Texas. There I established a Texas twang accent.
When I spoke to the Northern Vietnamese they claimed that I was from South Vietnam because of my Southern dialogue. When I spoke to the Southern Vietnamese, they said I must be from the North because of my accent. To complicate things, I also established an English/Vietnamese accent which immediately labeled me as a Việt Kiều when I spoke Vietnamese. Vietnamese who left Vietnam were called Việt Kiều. When I spoke English, I have a slight Vietnamese accent with a Texas twang. What a mess! How did this happened? No idea. Needless to say, I was not very talkative in school while growing up in Texas.
To make life even more interesting, I did not live with my immediate family until I came to America at age 10. I was an only child living with my god mother. In a strange land, I lived with a family who I knew only a little bit about. I was more confused and frightened than fascinated. I was no longer a single favorite spoiled child in a small family. I became a child in a large family with 7 children. Now I have to share!!! Imagine that!
In order to gain friendship from my siblings and fit in, I learned to share and cooperate. I adapted and loved my relationship with my siblings. Moving to America was the best thing that had happened to me. I realized that I was no longer the center of the universe. My sisters and brothers were an extension of me. My family was my team and unit. We stuck together and supported each other.
Love your blog/ new book
Just now have had some time to read it.
Please let me know when you’re next
Cooking demonstration is (sorry I missed the
last one).
& you’re next blog I would love to read that also
Thanks. & happy blogging & New Year
Hello Tamie! My next cooking demonstrations will be on February 18 & 24. The details are posted on my website at demo. (https://phoqueencooking.com/demo/)
The next blog to my intro is the timeline regarding Vietnam War, my life and American history. (https://phoqueencooking.com/2017/12/my-journey-to-america-vietnam-war/).
I hope the Holidays have been good to you. Happy New Year 2018!